PROPOSALS to re-structure health services are to be put to public meetings in east Cleveland.

Changes are planned to the management and administrative structures of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities in County Durham and Tees Valley and Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

There will also be changes to the boundaries of the ambulance service in Teesside.

More than 20 public meetings have been organised around the region.

Views expressed at them will be used to help shape final plans for the future structure of health services in the area.

The meetings in east Cleveland are at Loftus Town Hall, Loftus, Saltburn, on Wednesday, March 1, from 6pm to 8pm, and at Redcar Racecourse, Redcar, on Tuesday, March 14, from 6pm to 8pm.

David Flory, chief executive of County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority said feedback was essential from users of the health services and staff and organisations working in partnership with the NHS.

He said: "Between now and March 22, we are seeking comments on proposals to change the management and administrative structure of the NHS in North-East England.

"The changes do not focus on patient services or the day-to-day provision of health care, but on the structure and management of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities. Before any changes are made, we need to hear from local people and our partner organisations."

He said that changes also had to achieve £14m in savings in management and administration costs, which would be ploughed back into direct patient care.